Dartford residents are being asked to comment on draft proposals for new council ward boundaries before April 9.

The Local Government Boundary Commission’s plans would mean changes to every ward in Dartford, and a ten-week public consultation on the recommendations has now started.

The consultation is open to anyone who wants to have their say on new council wards, ward boundaries and ward names across Dartford.

The draft recommendations propose that Dartford should have 42 councillors in future: two fewer than now.

The recommendations also outline how those councillors should represent seven three-councillor wards, eight two-councillor wards and five one-councillor wards across the borough.

At this stage, residents are being asked to comment on whether the proposals reflect local communities, or how the proposals could be improved.

The full recommendations and detailed interactive maps are available on the commission’s website, at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk.

Hard copies of the report and maps will also be available to view at council buildings.

Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the commission, said: “We are publishing proposals for a new pattern of wards across Dartford and we are keen to hear what local people think of the recommendations.

“Over the next ten weeks, we are asking local people to tell us if they agree with the proposals or if not, how they can be improved.

“Our review aims to deliver electoral equality for local voters.

“This means that each councillor represents a similar number of people so that everyone’s vote in council elections is worth roughly the same, regardless of where you live.

“We also want to ensure that our proposals reflect the interests and identities of local communities across Dartford and that the pattern of wards can help the council deliver effective local government to local people.

“We will consider all the submissions we receive whoever they are from and whether your evidence applies to the whole borough or just part of it.

The commission wants to hear as much evidence as possible to develop final recommendations for Dartford.